10/10/2012  Happy Valley  Race 8

MR BOND was slow to begin. From wide barriers, BUBBLE CHIC and FINEZZA were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1000 Metres, BANKSTERS BONUS became unbalanced and lost ground when momentarily tightened for room inside ENABLING which got its head on the side and shifted in marginally. Near the 500 Metres, ENABLING, which was being shifted to the outside of DRAGON FIGHTER to prevent HOLIDAY SUN improving to its outside, was checked when disappointed for running between HOLIDAY SUN and DRAGON FIGHTER which was shifted to the outside of REAL SUPREME which was commencing to give ground. For some distance after the 500 Metres, PERFECT CHEERS and BUBBLE CHIC raced tight as PERFECT CHEERS shifted out to obtain clear running. A Suborics (STRAIGHT FORWARD) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that rounding the Home Turn he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of ENABLING, causing that horse to be crowded for room, to be severely checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. A Suborics was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 25 October 2012 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Wednesday, 17 October 2012. Passing the 250 Metres, PERFECT CHEERS and BUBBLE CHIC bumped. Over the final 100 Metres, ENABLING was not able to obtain clear running and because of this was not ridden out to the end of the race. Over the concluding stages, BUBBLE CHIC and PERFECT CHEERS raced tight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of REAL SUPREME, M Chadwick stated that, from a wide barrier, he allowed his mount to improve into a forward position in the early stages. He said whilst the early tempo was solid, REAL SUPREME was able to work its way forward to race outside the leader, JIMSON THE BEST after the 1100 Metres. He said he became concerned with the manner in which REAL SUPREME was travelling at the 900 Metres as the horse was not on the bridle and travelling as well as it had done in its previous races when ridden by him. He added that he had to niggle at REAL SUPREME along the Back Straight to maintain its position, however, the horse came under heavy pressure at the 600 Metres and despite being ridden along weakened out of the race from this point of the race. He said he was not able to offer any reason for the disappointing performance of REAL SUPREME as the horse had worked well in the lead up to tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of REAL SUPREME after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of REAL SUPREME was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, REAL SUPREME will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON FIGHTER after the race did not show any significant findings. DRAGON FIGHTER, BANKSTERS BONUS and FINEZZA were sent for sampling.